Well....I think this thread got derailed because there was a lack of distinction between a BAD idea and a DUMB idea some pages back. If Norman decided to drive his car into a tree at 40 mph to see if he survived it, I'd call that a bad idea. Putting manual steering on these cars is a DUMB idea. It's his car though, and he seems to be highly entertained by and empowered by dumb ideas such as the no helmet thing and the no seat belt thing. Another place where Norman and I diverge greatly besides not wanting to go through the windshield in a car accident is not using those single-pot master cylinders that WORK GREAT! until they don't. I used the one off my '66 as a wheel chock for a while.
Me? I'm keeping the power steering and power brakes on my car for one reason: I like sitting there driving with virtually no effort needed. I may or may not need a test of my virility and masculinity occasionally, but attempting to drive my damn car isn't going to be IT. I have a Valiant with manual steering and dislike it so much that I found a Dart to replace it with that has...get ready for it....power steering. Good luck with that HEI. I learned my lesson with those...if the starter sucks the voltage too low during starting, the module won't work...even with a GOOD BATTERY and big old fat wiring. I switched to a Pertronix and never looked back.